Ah, the shower. A sanctuary of solitude, a place to wash away the day's worries... unless it's a breeding ground for mould, soap scum, and grime. Fear not, this blog post is your weapon against shower nasties. Here's some secrets for a shower so clean you'll want to eat your dinner in it (maybe not, but you get the idea!).

1. Gear Up for Battle:

Before you declare war on grime, gather your cleaning comrades:

• Gloves: Protect those hard-working hands with sturdy rubber gloves like Ansell Hyflex or Kimberly-Clark Kleenguard G10.
• Microfibre cloths: For a streak-free finish that'll make your shower gleam like a new penny, grab some Sabco Microfibre Cloths or Oates Super Absorbent Cloths.
• Scrubbing brushes: You'll need a variety for this mission:
  • Stiff-bristled brush: Tackle grout and general grime with the Sabco Grout Brush or the OXO Good Grips Extendable Tile & Grout Brush.
  • Old toothbrush: Reach those pesky corners and crevices like a pro.
  • Soft-bristled brush: For delicate surfaces like showerheads and taps.
• Spray bottles: Essential for applying your cleaning solutions. Refillable spray bottles from Bunnings or Woolworths are perfect.
• Squeegee: Banish water spots and streaks with a trusty squeegee from Sabco or Vileda.
• Bucket: Your trusty sidekick for mixing solutions and rinsing.
• Safety glasses: Shield your eyes from cleaning solutions, especially when cleaning overhead.

2. The Arsenal:

Now, let's arm ourselves with the cleaning powerhouses:

• White vinegar: This Aussie staple dissolves soap scum and limescale like nobody's business.
• Bicarb soda: Another natural cleaning hero, perfect for scrubbing and deodorising. McKenzie's bicarb soda is a top choice.
• Dishwashing liquid: Cut through grease and grime with Aussie favourites like Morning Fresh or Palmolive.
• Eucalyptus oil: Add a refreshing Aussie scent and antibacterial action with Bosisto's eucalyptus oil.
• Optional extras:
  • Shower Power: This Aussie icon is a powerful all-rounder for shower cleaning.
  • Exit Mould: Say goodbye to mould with this powerful remover.
  • CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover: For those stubborn mineral deposits that just won't budge.
  • Sugar Soap: A versatile cleaner for tiles, grout, and shower screens.
  • Bleach: A powerful disinfectant, but use it with caution and good ventilation. White King is a common brand in Australia.
  • Steam: Do it like a pro and invest in a Kärcher steam cleaner and fight mould and bacteria natuarlly with steam.

3. Operation: Sparkling Shower

Alright, troops, it's time to launch our attack!

• Prepare the battlefield: Clear the shower of all bottles, soaps, and loofahs.
• Ventilate: Open windows and/or turn on the exhaust fan to keep the air fresh.
• Initial rinse: Give the entire shower a good rinse with warm water to loosen the enemy forces (dirt and grime).
• Mould assault:
  • If mould is present, spray it with Exit Mould or a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
  • Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush.
  • Rinse thoroughly.
• Tile & Grout Take-Down:
  • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in your spray bottle.
  • Spray the tiles and grout generously and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • Scrub with your stiff-bristled brush, focusing on those grout lines.
  • For stubborn grime, mix bicarb soda with water to form a paste, apply, let it sit, then scrub and rinse.
  • Rinse everything thoroughly.
• Shower Screen Sparkle:
  • Spray the glass with your vinegar solution or a commercial glass cleaner like Windex.
  • For stubborn water spots, try CLR or a dedicated shower glass cleaner.
  • Wipe down with a microfibre cloth.
  • Squeegee away excess water to prevent streaks.
  • Don't forget to clean the shower screen tracks with your toothbrush.
• Floor Finale:
  • Squirt some dishwashing liquid onto the floor and scrub with your brush.
  • Rinse thoroughly.
• Finishing Touches:
  • Remove the showerhead and soak it in a vinegar solution to remove mineral deposits.
  • Wipe down the showerhead, taps, and other fixtures.
  • Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your bucket of clean water for a final rinse and a fresh scent.
  • Dry the shower with a clean microfibre cloth or leave the door open to air dry.

4. Maintaining Your Shower Sanctuary

Congratulations, soldier! You've conquered the grime. Now, let's keep that shower sparkling:

• Squeegee after every shower: Prevent water spots and soap scum build-up with this simple habit.
• Weekly wipe-down: A quick wipe with a damp cloth and vinegar solution will keep things fresh.
• Monthly deep clean: Follow the steps above for a thorough clean.
• Ventilation is key: Ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent mould growth.